Reports of a potential active shooter situation at a TJ Maxx store in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, ignited widespread fear and a flood of prayers across social media platforms on Friday. The alarming claims, which remain unverified by authorities, spread rapidly online, causing significant anxiety among local residents and netizens.
Social Media Posts Fuel Widespread Alarm
Multiple users on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, claimed to have heard gunshots inside the shopping centre that houses the TJ Maxx outlet on Jeffreys Road. One particularly distressing post described a family taking shelter. "My mom and my entire sisters family are barricaded inside closet of TJ MAXX in Rocky Mount, NC. There is a gunman firing!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!!" the user pleaded.
Another widely shared message appealed for divine intervention for a safe resolution, asking for protection for the innocent people reportedly barricaded inside the store. The viral nature of these posts intensified concern, yet no official source stepped forward to confirm the events.
Authorities Withhold Confirmation Amid Uncertainty
As of the latest updates, neither the Rocky Mount Police Department nor the management of the shopping centre has issued any public statement confirming a shooting. Authorities have not reported any injuries, made arrests, or confirmed the discovery of weapons related to the incident at the store located at 1480 Jeffreys Road.
The lack of official information has left the situation shrouded in confusion. This incident of unverified reports causing public fear was mirrored elsewhere on the same day. In Hattiesburg, the Turtle Creek Mall was placed on lockdown, but officials later clarified they found no evidence of shots fired, no shell casings, and no victims.
Economic Context: TJX Thrives as Shoppers Seek Value
The scare at the discount retailer comes against a backdrop where its parent company, TJX Cos., is performing exceptionally well. On November 19, the company posted quarterly sales that beat estimates, reporting revenue of $15.1 billion against an expected $14.9 billion. TJX also raised its full-year outlook.
Analysts note that the company's success is partly driven by strained consumers turning to more frugal shopping options. Neil Saunders of GlobalData called the results "exceptional," highlighting that while consumer stress aids TJX, the retailer's compelling product assortments continue to attract shoppers.
The political landscape of Rocky Mount also adds a layer of context, as the city hosted a rally by former President Donald Trump just weeks prior, where he focused on economic messaging and a vision for a "golden age of America."
